DMC Demonstrates Ekso 'Wearable Robot'
DETROIT (WWJ) - The hope of walking again is becoming a reality for many thanks to a new piece of technology at a local hospital.
DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan became one of the first hospitals in the U.S. to receive Ekso, a wearable, robotic exoskeleton that allows people with paralysis to stand and walk. Six RIM patients; five paraplegics and one quadriplegic, participated in an investigational trial of Ekso at RIM.
William Ziggler, 20 years old, of Detroit, suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident nearly five years ago. He's been in a wheelchair since, but now he's taking steps.
"Right now it's something to used in therapy only, but in the next few years we hope that there will be a home device that we can then train patients to utalize so that they can walk around their homes," said Senior Physical Therapist Diane Patser.
RIM is currently the only rehab center in Michigan with Ekso.
